Subaru Motorsports USA has pulled the wraps off its latest rally weapon — the all-new Subaru WRX ARA25L — which makes its high-octane debut at the 2025 Olympus Rally in Washington State. The event marks a thrilling return to the American Rally Association (ARA) circuit for Travis Pastrana, as he slides into the driver’s seat of a car built for fierce competition, yet designed to keep its soul close to showroom DNA.
A New Chapter in Rally Performance
Unlike the more extreme machines in the Open 4WD (O4WD) class, the WRX ARA25L competes in the Limited 4-Wheel Drive (L4WD) category — a class that emphasizes balance between performance and accessibility. Built by Vermont SportsCar, Subaru’s longtime motorsport partner, the ARA25L brings rally racing closer to everyday enthusiasts while still packing serious firepower under the hood.
Underneath the hood lies Subaru’s 2.4-liter FA24 turbocharged BOXER engine, equipped with an ARA-mandated 33mm restrictor and 2.5-bar boost limit. The result? An estimated 315 horsepower and a beefy 460 lb-ft of torque — numbers that put it well within striking range on any rally stage. Paired with an X Shift 6-speed sequential gearbox and a carbon triple-plate race clutch, this WRX is engineered for rapid-fire gear changes and maximum grip.
Track-Ready Engineering Meets Rally-Ready Grit
The WRX ARA25L rides on 15-inch O.Z. Competition wheels wrapped in Yokohama ADVAN A053 rally tires, specifically designed for the rugged terrains of U.S. rally circuits. Braking is just as aggressive as acceleration, thanks to Brembo 4-piston calipers and 300mm rotors on all four corners.
Handling duties are carried out by a specialized suspension setup using R53 motorsport springs and dampers, enhanced with a mix of OEM and Vermont SportsCar components. This package ensures that the ARA25L remains planted through gravel corners, tight hairpins, and high-speed straights.
Travis Pastrana’s Verdict? “An Absolute Blast”
After completing the first test session in the new car, Travis Pastrana couldn’t hide his excitement. “It’s a really fun car to drive,” he said. “It has less downforce than the open car, which adds even more to the fun factor. It drives like a 125cc 2-stroke – you’re always shiftin’ and movin’!”
His return adds serious excitement to the L4WD class, offering fans a chance to see a motorsport icon battling it out in a car that feels much more attainable than its O4WD counterparts. Meanwhile, Subaru’s O4WD team — led by Brandon Semenuk and Keaton Williams — continues their championship push in the premier class.
A Gateway to Rally for More Drivers
One of the most significant aspects of the WRX ARA25L is its role as a potential “gateway car” for aspiring rally drivers. With a more budget-friendly build and tighter regulations, the L4WD class opens the door to high-level rallying without the sky-high costs associated with the O4WD category.
This democratization of rally racing aligns perfectly with Subaru’s motorsport ethos: performance for the people, on and off the track.
Where to See It Next
Fans won’t have to wait long to catch the ARA25L in action. Following its Olympus Rally debut, Travis Pastrana and the new WRX will be featured in ARA events throughout the 2025 season, including marquee Super Regionals like Rally Colorado in July.
Whether you’re a die-hard rally fan or new to the scene, the WRX ARA25L brings a fresh spark to the American rally landscape — and it’s only just getting started.
